Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1-4) and felonies (Class 1-6). Class 1 misdemeanors, the most serious, carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11. Felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95) are heard in King William County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in General District Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – Official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- King William County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
King William County Court Process for Criminal Cases
King William County General District Court at 351 Courthouse Lane handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County prosecutes cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at King William County General District Court.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal to Circuit Court. Expungement is available for acquittals or dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in King William County
In King William County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft conviction record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
King William County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have 2 documented results in King William County: 2 reduced/amended for a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and investigations.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County, both reduced or amended for a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results reflect our attorneys’ ability to negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney and present effective defenses in King William County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients at King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We represent clients throughout King William, West Point, and Aylett. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- King William County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Primary attorney for this page.
- Richmond Office Location – Serving King William County.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.